Religious drama evokes tears, gratitude

Updated 11:16 pm, Friday, March 29, 2013

Photo: Marvin Pfeiffer / San Antonio Express-News

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Jesus, played by John Austin, is helped by Simon of Cyrene, symbolized by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, after falling for the second time during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ downtown.

Jesus, played by John Austin, is helped by Simon of Cyrene, symbolized by Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, after falling for the second time during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ

Pilate (left), played by Victor Villasenor, judges Jesus, played by John Austin during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on the stage in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Herod (right), played by Sergio Castaneda, throws water in Jesus's face, played by John Austin, during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on the stage in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Herod (right), played by Sergio Castaneda, throws water in Jesus's face, played by John Austin, during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on the stage in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013.

The crowd reacts and Pilate judges Jesus during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

The crowd reacts and Pilate judges Jesus during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, Marvin Pfeiffer/ Express-News

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Jesus, played by John Austin, is led away after a crown of thorns placed on his head after being judged by Pilate during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, is led away after a crown of thorns placed on his head after being judged by Pilate during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29,

Jesus, played by John Austin, carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, Marvin Pfeiffer/ Express-News

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Jesus, played by John Austin, carries the cross after being judged by Pilate during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in Milam Park on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus is whipped after falling the first time while carrying the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus is whipped after falling the first time while carrying the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, Marvin Pfeiffer/ Express-News

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Jesus, played by John Austin, carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, Marvin Pfeiffer/ Express-News

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Jesus, played by John Austin, is taunted by a Roman soldier as he carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, looks ahead after falling for the second time while carrying the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, looks ahead after falling for the second time while carrying the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/

Jesus, played by John Austin, looks toward a Roman soldier as he carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, is helped by Simon of Cyrene, symbolized by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller M.Sp.S, after falling for the second time during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, is helped by Simon of Cyrene, symbolized by Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller M.Sp.S, after falling for the second time during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ

Mary mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega (second from left) worries with others in the crowd as Jesus carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Mary mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega (second from left) worries with others in the crowd as Jesus carries the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29,

Jesus, played by John Austin, is nailed to the cross as his mother Mary and others watch (left) during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, is nailed to the cross as his mother Mary and others watch (left) during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March

A Roman soldier rejoices as Jesus, played by John Austin, is nailed to the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

A Roman soldier rejoices as Jesus, played by John Austin, is nailed to the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN

Jesus, played by John Austin, is crucified during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, played by John Austin, is crucified during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER, Marvin Pfeiffer/ Express-News

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Jesus, Played by John Austin, is crucified with two thieves, played by Jacob Holguin and George Estrada, during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Ferdando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Jesus, Played by John Austin, is crucified with two thieves, played by Jacob Holguin and George Estrada, during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Ferdando Cathedral on Friday,

Jesus, played by John Austin, dies on the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Fernando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Mary, mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega, removes the crown of thorns from Jesus's head , played by John Austin, after he was taken down from the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Ferenando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Mary, mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega, removes the crown of thorns from Jesus's head , played by John Austin, after he was taken down from the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of

Mary, mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega, weeps as she holds Jesus's body , played by John Austin, after he was taken down from the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Ferenando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Mary, mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega, weeps as she holds Jesus's body , played by John Austin, after he was taken down from the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in

Mary, mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega, weeps as she holds Jesus's body , played by John Austin, after he was taken down from the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in front of San Ferenando Cathedral on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

Mary, mother of Jesus and played by Yesinia Ortega, weeps as she holds Jesus's body , played by John Austin, after he was taken down from the cross during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ in

The crowd watches as Jesus, played by John Austin, is carried away by Roman soldiers after being crucified during the annual re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ on Friday, March 29, 2013. MARVIN PFEIFFER/ mpfeiffer@express-news.net

John Austin has participated for several years in the annual religious drama, playing the roles of Pontius Pilate, a thief and a Roman soldier.

On Friday, it was his turn to bear the weight of the cross. To prepare for his portrayal of Jesus in the re-enactment of the Passion of the Christ, Austin had rehearsed twice a week since January. He steeled himself to avoid eye contact with people in the crowd who empathized with his suffering, real and imagined.

That regimen of the soul has brought him closer to Jesus, he said.

“It takes a lot mentally and spiritually, and (I) just leave it in his hands,” Austin said.

The Good Friday event, starting with a prayer service in Milam Park and procession to Main Plaza, where a crucifixion was staged in front of San Fernando Cathedral, typically draws 15,000 to 18,000 people.

Speaking alternately during the service in English and Spanish, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller said the re-enactment makes a timeless statement that “
Dios es amor” — God is love.

“And the Lord is still thirsting for our love,” added the archbishop, who carried the estimated 80-pound cross for a stretch on Houston Street in a symbolic portrayal of Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus, according to Gospel accounts.

The crowd fervently moved along the six-block route with a procession led by about 20 drummers and trumpeters keeping a military cadence.

Some observers jockeyed for position to take photos or video of a bloody, scorned king wearing a crown of thorns. Some downtown workers came out to see the re-enactment.

Austin, as Jesus, was lifted on a cross in front of the cathedral, and later mourned by the mother Mary after he died.

Araceli Garza, who attended the event for just the second time and sang in a choir in the procession, strained through her emotion to speak.

When she underwent chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer in 2006, she learned about the mysteries of human suffering and renewal.

“And I saw God's hand in it. He allowed me to keep living for reason,” said Garza, who worships at an interdenominational church.

Frankie Springhart held a hand-painted sign that said “Imagine Peace,” in a tribute to his 21-year-old niece, Falon Taylor, who was fatally shot in a home invasion in 2007. Charges against a suspect were dismissed, although the case has been appealed to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Springhart said he has struggled with anger over the loss of his niece, a devout Christian who was like a younger sister.

“If she were looking down on me, I'd want her to be proud of me. This is a way to honor her legacy,” said Springhart, who attends Oak Hills Church.

Garza said seeing the images of torture and crucifixion were wrenching, but a reminder of why she should be grateful. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 but also survived.

“It's different for everyone, but always personal. I just think this is a wonderful way for people to realize what Jesus did for us,” she said.

And like the head of hair she lost during her chemotherapy, he would return, Garza added.

“He didn't stay on the cross. He rose,” she said.
shuddleston@express-news.net